Crimea to switch to Moscow Time from March 30

SIMFEROPOL, March 17. /ITAR-TASS/. The parliament of the Republic of Crimea, which has declared its independence from Kiev following Sunday’s referendum at which most of its residents voted for joining Russia, has decided to switch over to the Moscow Time, the CrimeaInform news agency reported Monday.

The change will take place March 30, the Crimean Supreme Council said in a resolution adopted at today’s meeting.

The Republic of Crimea on Sunday held a referendum on whether to secede from Ukraine and become part of Russia. About 97% of voters chose the option of joining the Russian Federation. Crimea’s parliament on Monday declared Crimea an independent sovereign state.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said early Monday that Crimea’s decision to hold the referendum in the republic where most residents are Russians was in line with international law and the UN Charter.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich left Ukraine in February after a coup in his country. He said last week that he remains the legitimate Ukrainian leader despite “an anti-constitutional seizure of power by armed radicals.” Russia considers Yanukovich the legitimate Ukrainian president.